What does the term 'internal fixation' refer to in surgical procedures?

The term 'internal fixation' in surgical procedures specifically refers to the method of stabilizing bone fragments using hardware, such as plates, screws, or rods. This technique is commonly employed in orthopedic surgery to ensure that broken or fractured bones are held in the correct position during the healing process.

Internal fixation provides several advantages, including improved stability of the bone fragments, which allows for earlier mobilization of the patient and can lead to better overall healing outcomes. By using hardware to keep the bones securely aligned, the risk of malunion or nonunion—the improper healing of bones—is significantly reduced.

The other options do not accurately describe internal fixation. For example, extracting tissue samples pertains to biopsy procedures, while reducing swelling in internal organs is associated with interventions aimed at managing inflammation or fluid accumulation. Likewise, applying compression bandages is more aligned with external support rather than internal stabilization of bones. Thus, the definition of internal fixation is distinctly focused on the stabilization of fractures through the use of surgical hardware.